Dusty Baker says Jonathan Papelbon isn't a distraction

NASHVILLE - Dusty Baker sat at a table this afternoon in a ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, swarmed by reporters for the first time since he was announced as the new Nationals manager a little over a month ago.

Among the many topics the charismatic Baker discussed was how to handle volatile closer Jonathan Papelbon and the leftover baggage from the reliever's dugout brawl with National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper. Unless general manager Mike Rizzo figures out a way to unload Papelbon, the mess Papelbon created is likely to be a distraction for the team heading into 2016.

Well, to everyone but the new manager.

"I don't see it as a distraction," Baker said. "I mean, how am I gonna foresee a distraction in advance? I gotta wait 'til I get there first."

Baker indicated that he reached out to Papelbon, but the two missed connecting due to Baker's prior commitment to helping a team in Mexico. Before that, Baker said he was on a pheasant hunting trip.

"I don't even know Papelbon," Baker said. "Right now, Papelbon is my closer. I'm not one to foresee problems before they become problems."

Baker has managed successful teams with players that have fought among themselves before, including the "Slugout in the Dugout" between Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent during the 2002 Giants season. That team advanced to the World Series before losing in seven games to the Angels.

One closer the Nationals were rumored to be in trade discussions about was Reds fireballer Aroldis Chapman. The Dodgers reportedly agreed to acquire the left-hander on Monday morning, but the deal fell apart late last night when domestic abuse allegations surrounding Chapman surfaced.

Baker wasn't interested in discussing Chapman's problems today, saying, "I'm not one to judge on how the whole thing happened."

Baker helped Chapman make the transition from Cuba to the United States when he joined the Reds as a 22-year-old in 2010. Chapman then pitched out of Baker's bullpen in Cincinnati for the next four seasons, becoming the Reds closer in 2012 and making the first of four consecutive All-Star teams.

"He's a heck of a guy," Baker said. "I mean, a heck of a guy. I'll go on record and say I wouldn't mind having Chapman. You know what I mean."